Karachi, First Published Dec 3, 2021, 7:40 PM IST
Karachi: The opening spell of Pakistan’s pacer Shaheen Afridi was instrumental in India’s defeat in the classic match between India and Pakistan (IND vs PAK) at the T20 World Cup. In the first two overs, India could not recover from the shock of Afridi knocking off Indian opener Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Afridi bowled Rahul cleanly after Rohit was caught in front of the wicket by an in-swing yorker at the Dubai Stadium.
However, Rameez Raja, a former Pakistan captain and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, said that he had advised Pakistan captain Babur Assam to field Rohit in the match. Rameez Raja’s revelation on the BBC podcast.
Before leaving for the World Cup, Babur Assam and the Chief Selector came to see me. I asked him what was your plan for the match against India. I told them I could tell you now how to get Rohit out. Babur listened to it with interest. Shaheen Afridi bowls at 100 mph. Stop a fielder on the short leg, as well as throw the Inswinging Yorker 100 mph. Do not give single. I told them I could kick him out, Ramis clarified.
Rohit was out off the first ball of the T20 World Cup off Shaheen Afridi. Rohit was caught in front of the wicket in Inswingig Yorker. Rahul faced the first three balls of Shaheen Afridi’s first over. Rahul Rohit, who took a single off the third ball, was handed the strike. In the fourth ball, Rohit was caught in front of the wicket and was out.
Batting first, India scored 151 for seven in 20 overs while Pakistan reached the target in 17.5 overs. That defeat was a major setback for India’s semi-final chances.
Last Updated Dec 3, 2021, 7:40 PM IST
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